Bhubaneswar: Odisha today secured yet another gold medal at the ongoing 37th edition of the National Games in Goa. Abhipsa Panda and Bikash Chandra Pattnaik secured the gold in Mini Golf at the Mixed Doubles Event (Women).
The State also bagged two bronze medals in Doubles and Quad events of Sepak Tekraw. Meanwhile, Odisha Women’s Football Team emerged victorious in a 5-4 tiebreaker against West Bengal after a goalless draw at full time, to seal their spot in the finals.
The triumph in Mini Golf marks Odisha’s seventh gold medal in the competition and their first medal in Mini Golf. Odisha’s medal tally is currently at 34, with seven gold, ten silver and seventeen bronze medals.
Following Odisha’s semi-final victory against West Bengal, Crispin Chettri Head Coach of Odisha’s Women’s Football Team commended the squad for a gritty and determined performance. He said, “This was a tough game for us. West Bengal has been one of best teams in the tournament so far and it was our teamwork and effort that got us the victory.”
With three victories in four matches during their campaign, Crispin Chettri opined that the team’s strength lies in its combination of experienced and developed players along with a strong team chemistry.
“We are lucky as we have had the chance to train together for an extended period with great facilities at the Kalinga Sports Complex. Due to this the team is familiar with one other and there is a good tactical understanding of each other, which is something many teams in the competition have struggled with,” Chettri added.
He further added, “Because we train a lot at home in a familiar setting, it can be challenging for young players to play in new venues and surroundings, they need to build a big match temperament for it. I think the week-long exposure trip that We took ahead of the National Games has been quite useful in helping the team in that regard.”
Shedding light on the team’s biggest challenge, Crispin Chettri remarked, “I think we have played four matches in eight days, so recovery is crucial for the team especially when they are giving their best every match. This will be our focus ahead of the final match, recovery and ensuring the right mindset.”
In another result, Odisha’s Women’s Hockey Team was defeated 2-7 by Haryana. Lillima Minz (20’) and Neha Lakra (52’) were the goal scorers for Odisha. Odisha prospects of progressing further in Women’s Hockey is contingent on winning their next game against Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh losing their next match.
